On May 2, 2024 the Folger’s virtual book club continues with a discussion of The East Indian by Brinda Charry. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and America’s early colonization.
READ the Shakespeare play referenced throughout novel
EXPLORE the play’s connection to trade and early globilization
- ‘In the spiced Indian air’: Trading coin and cloth in the empire of the Great Mughal
- Shakespeare’s Asia: Ships, spices, and porcelain
- written by Su Fang Ng, May’s guest speaker
- “More strange than true”: Finding America among the fairies
LISTEN to podcast episodes related to colonial history and impact
We would like to thank the following organization for its generous support of this program

Join us for a future event
How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition

How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition
Social climbing was a competitive sport in Tudor England, requiring a complex range of skills, strategies, and techniques. This exhibition explores what it takes to become an early modern mover and shaker.
Through July 2025
Folger Book Club: 'Twelfth Knight'
by Alexene Farol Follmuth
by Alexene Farol Follmuth

Folger Book Club: 'Twelfth Knight'
Our April 2025 book club is a charming coming-of-age story by Alexene Farol Follmuth involving online gaming, based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
Thu, Apr 3, 2025, 6:30pm
Family Workshop: Spring Has Sprung

Family Workshop: Spring Has Sprung
Experience Shakespeare's words and their connection to nature and, weather permitting, take Shakespeare's words outdoors to the Folger's gardens! Choose from two free workshops for ages 5-7 and ages 8-11.
Sat, Apr 5, 2025 at 11:30am & 1pm
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